The so-called fourth Industrial Revolution and the Internet of Things have resulted in lots of data for manufacturers to track and manage. If that data is siloed or tucked away in multiple systems or places without any way to connect the dots, you could be missing out on the power of data to help you make informed decisions.

The future of manufacturing really lies within data. Using data to improve systems, measure, and monitor product quality, and assess supply chains and distribution channels must become part of your business strategy. If it doesn’t, you’re losing an important competitive edge. 

Sage ERP software offers manufacturers an excellent platform that can help manage all these data points and more. Let’s look at many of the challenges solved by Sage ERP. I’m betting that these challenges will resonate with you as they did with the hundreds of manufacturers I’ve spoken with over the years. Fortunately, the solution to these challenges is simple—a good ERP like Sage that can manage the enormous data flows that are now part of everyday life for manufacturers in the fourth Industrial Revolution.

Data Challenges Manufacturers Face Every Day

Everybody talks about the importance of data for manufacturers. But why is data so important? 

Data provides you with:

• Facts for decision-making. Sure, feelings and observations are important, but there’s an old saying, “Facts don’t lie.” Peter Drucker, an influential manager and thinker, once said, “What gets measured gets managed” and he was right. If you aren’t measuring systems, processes, and quality, you can’t manage it well. Data gives you the information you need to make these decisions.
• Better forecasting. With the rise of AI-based tools for manufacturers (many of which are included in ERP platforms), manufacturers can leverage AI’s unique power to review and analyze large amounts of data quickly. It can look across historical data, incorporate current data, and produce more accurate forecasts and trends for your business. That’s invaluable when you’re making decisions for the next quarter or year and beyond.
• The ability to embrace new AI tools: New AI tools for manufacturers are rapidly entering the market, each promising something different, such as quality monitoring, enhancing upsell and cross-sell opportunities, and more. If you’re collecting data from multiple sources and devices, you’re already taking steps in the right direction. The data may need to be cleaned and organized to be AI-ready, but you’re already taking steps to add new tools as they become affordable, accessible, and useful for your business. 

Sage 300 ERP Software Breaks Down Data Silos, Organizes Data Chaos

Sage 300 ERP software is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that can grow and scale with your manufacturing business. It breaks down data silos by incorporating what now may be separate platforms your company uses (accounting, HR, CRM) into one system. This means that unlike in the past when data lived in silos, it now lives inside the Sage 300 ERP software. 

The platform isn’t one-size-fits-all and can be customized with the modules that you need to run your business. The basic platform offers powerful financial and accounting software with great reports. You can add on many different modules to automate and integrate functions within the platform, such as human resources, payroll, operations and distribution management, global locations, tariffs, service and project management, customer relationship management, and more. 

Depending on your needs, you can purchase cloud-based or site-based software. Cloud-based means that anyone logging in from any location sees almost identical data thanks to near real-time updates. If your business operates from multiple locations or you have warehouses in different areas, using the cloud version of Sage 300 is a big help. When you look up an account, the information is up to date. No waiting around for batch updates or overnight updates. It’s right there at your fingertips. 

Speak with a Sage 300 ERP Software Consultant Now

As you can see, Sage 300 offers a powerful solution to help you manage data from the Internet of Things and beyond. You don’t need to drown in data—Sage 300 ERP software can be your life preserver! But it’s important to speak with a knowledgeable consultant before buying any ERP software. An experienced consultant can help you narrow down your needs, focusing on the ones that will support business outcomes the best. They can also help you assess the many possible software choices on the market to pick the one that truly supports your business now and in the future. 

PositiveVision: Your Sage 300 ERP Software Consultant

PositiveVision is a full-service software consultant and specializes in helping manufacturers choose the right platforms to thrive and grow. Contact us for more information and let us know how we can help you with your software needs.

Robert Baran

Robert Baran is the founder and President of PositiveVision. He has worked in a variety of positions including system analyst, computer consultant and programmer, project manager, and division manager.